The hip joint is the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint, allowing for fluid movement during running, walking, and more. As the hip bone moves around in its socket, a cushion of cartilage helps prevent friction.

But with age and use, this cartilage can wear down or sustain damage. So can the muscles, tendons, and bones in and surrounding the hip. Hip pain is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, including Arthritis, Avascular necrosis (or osteonecrosis), certain cancers, Bursitis, fracture, labral tear, muscle or tendon strain, and tendinitis. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the source of your pain.

Your Chiropractor can help relieve your hip pain with adjustments, rehab, and custom orthotics. Icing or heating the area may also help, as might resting the affected joint.

Your doctor can help you determine what stretching and strengthening exercises might improve your hip’s function and reduce your pain.

Remember: hip replacement surgery, though successful for many, is still a major surgery. Make sure to try conservative care first, like drug- and surgery-free Chiropractic care plus Foot Levelers custom orthotics. Your hip pain may be helped without the need for the knife, downtime, or potentially addictive drugs.

X-ray of a patient’s hip before orthotics (left) and immediately after placing Foot Levelers custom orthotics in the shoes. Notice the asymmetry between the hips immediately diminishes–and so does the pain.